Author's Note: Got me a new beta who I love to death. Also, it has recently been brought to my attention that the entirety of chapter 2 was bolded. I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience, I have no idea why FanFiction did this, and I have no idea how to fix it. If anyone knows or has had this done to them and wants an excuse to yell about it leave a review. Or hey, if you liked this story leave a review! Think I should be doing something different leave a review! Just really like AkuRoku or Zemyx leave a review... and some constructive criticism! And now to your regularly scheduled disclaimer.

Disclaimer: Well it's been five chapters and I still don't own Kingdom Hearts, and it isn't looking good for me either. I do how ever, own a Heartless t-shirt because I am a heartless bastard but no one really cares about that so long as I supply sweet sweet shounen-ai.

The day before Axel's surgery was scheduled to take place, his mother and his brother came over early. Before long they had a nice little part going. Axel called it his 'going-away party', but seemed pleased anyway. However, Zexion retreated to the bathroom at the first sight of the celebrated. Roxas wished he could have disappeared with him, but Demyx and Axel had latched on him the moment the slate-haired bookworm disappeared not wanting to lose their other party-pooper.

When the Strifes and Demyx's parents arrived they didn't seem at all surprised about the party. Apparently they'd been planning it for a while in the waiting room. Roxas huffed, just like his parents, and Sora.

Demyx used it as an excuse to play music until Nurse Larxene burst in and told them to turn it off or else. As soon as Demyx was sure she was gone he turned it back on. Although it was much quieter this time.

It wasn't too bad. Roxas had it give it that. It was better than when his parents came in usually. With an endless barrage of the same questions, he might add. Demyx and Axel were enjoying themselves, though. But then again the two took any differentiation from the normal routine of drugs and lying around feeling like shit to enjoy themselves.

There was a rap on the door. Fearing it was Larxene again Demyx quickly shut off the music. Instead a different blond entered. "'ello!" Luxord raised a hand, "Heard there was a party."

"Is there a problem doctor?" Roxas sighed his mother had gotten extremely jittery when anyone of the medical profession entered the room.

"No, just making my rounds." He replied, "And I'm not a doctor, Mrs. Strife, just a Physician's Assistant, there's not need to call me that."

"Oh, alright, doctor."

Roxas sighed, he saw this guy more often then he actually saw his real doctor, but he wasn't sure where he fell into the hospital hierarchy. He could prescribe stuff, but he had to report to the 'attending physician'. Seemed like a waste of time and personnel to Roxas. Plus, he was never sure what to call him. Luxord preferred P.A. Luxord, but that seemed awkward and forced...

"So, where's Zex?" The British doctor continued in a cheery tone.

"He locked himself in the bathroom." Demyx replied. There was a hint of exasperation in his voice.

Noting it, Luxord replied, "He's probably just worn from Radiation." Demyx frowned at this but accepted the answer.

Strolling over to the bathroom door, he gave a quick wink before tapping on the door, "Oi, Zex, it's me Luxord."

Roxas could almost hear Zexion's grumble. Luxord was doing his rounds and needed to see Zexion, but the bookworm knew that as soon as he came out he wouldn't be allowed to go back.

Luxord tapped on the door again, "Oi, Zexion."

The door swung open and Zexion shuffled out, book in tote. Pleased with himself, Luxord finished up his rounds and strolled on out. Still glaring Zexion tossed his book on his bed and pulled the curtain around it effectively cutting himself off from the party.

"Oh dear." Mrs. Strife blinked.

Demyx sighed, shaking his head, "I'm going to go make sure he's ok."

"Honey, maybe you shouldn't." His mother started to say, but Demyx ignored her and disappeared behind the curtain. He wanted to help, Roxas knew. All Demyx wanted to do was help Zexion. But still... Roxas waited for Demyx to emerge from the curtain defeated.

But a minute passed and then another and still Demyx didn't emerge. The party rolled happily on. Out of the corner of his eye Roxas noticed Demyx's mother whispering something to Axel's mother and his mom. The blond brushed it off; if it was important his mom would fill him in later. It was probably just mom stuff.

"All right, ante up!" Axel grinned happily, "Time for the ward's favorite past time. Poker."

Axel's brother smiled and sauntered over to him. He looked a lot like Axel, Roxas noticed. He even had triangles under his eyes. Maybe it was a family tradition?

"Alright boys." He pulled up a seat next to Sora, "Be warned. I cheat, yo." He gave a smile eerily similar to Axel's.

Noticing he was the only on left, Cloud wandered over to the group and away from the adults.

"Everyone know how to play? Good--" Axel started to say, but Sora cut him off.

"I don't!"

Cloud and Roxas looked down, embarrassed of their brother.

A half hour later, Demyx emerged from Zexion's corner looking pleased with himself. He then rejoined his place at the poker table-- er-- hospital bed.

The group barely had enough time to start another hand when there was another tap on the door. Dr. Lexaeus, Luxord and a third man Roxas hadn't met before walked in.

Luxord caught sight of the game. His blue eyes twinkled mischievously.

Clearing his throat, Lexaeus motioned to the last member of the party-- a cold-eyed man with ragged blue hair and an x-shaped scar over the bridge of his nose, "This is Dr. Saix--"

"The crazy asshole who's going to cut off my leg." Axel's mood had turned in the blink of a brilliant green eye.

Saix didn't seem at all concerned. Perhaps, he'd had enough scared patients scream at him that it didn't matter to him anymore. Either way Roxas go what Demyx and Zexion had said earlier loud and clear. This 'Dr. Saix' was completely unconcerned with what was happening; he accepted and countered with a calm face. In other words he was a complete ass.

Still it was better than if he was an emotional twit who'd freak out the moment something went wrong. Roxas decided he was satisfied with the surgeon. He'd help Axel.

Axel, however, was still pissed off.

The party momentarily broke off while Saix explained in calm, grating voice the exact details of Axel's upcoming surgery one last time. Roxas wondered how he could be so disconnected. Perhaps, it was a defense mechanism, don't get connected and you won't feel horrible when they die. Or perhaps he was just and ass. Roxas shook his head. It wasn't his job to psychoanalyze this guy.

His job done Dr. Saix stood and left as coolly as he had entered. Lexaeus and Luxord offered up their condolences. Luxord even gave Axel's young mother a pat on the arm and gave her a wink. That didn't get great reviews.

With the doctors' exit, the party broke up for good.

The adults filed out together, their children in tote.

Axel claimed he was tired and decided to turn in early, leaving Roxas and Demyx alone.

Demyx smiled good naturedly at Roxas. The two were rarely left alone in the same room. They had conflicting schedules. "You're brothers were nice." He commented almost absent-mindedly.

"Cloud and Sora are ok, I guess."

"I never knew Sora was your twin."

Roxas shrugged, he was never into the whole small talk thing.

The door banged open, causing both Roxas and Demyx to jump. The blonde nurse in the doorway glared at them, "All right, all right. Time for bed, kiddos." She glared at them, green blue eyes sparking with electricity.

"Yes, ma'am." Demyx squeaked. The head nurse cast her gaze around the room before turning sharply and leaving, the light clicking off after her. In the dark, Demyx whispered, "Do you know where my MP3 player is?"

Roxas sighed; Demyx had to be the most forgetful person on the planet. "Check your drawers?"

There was a pause as Demyx pulled open his dresser drawer and fumbled around for his beloved music player, "Ok, got it. Thanks, Roxas."

Roxas rolled his eyes. What a goofball.

Still the darkness pressed around Roxas. In the morning Axel would be wheeled off to surgery. How many more of them would have to go through life saving surgeries? He didn't know what was happening to Zexion, but Demyx had brain tumors... they'd have to be removed one day, for certain.

At least he wouldn't be cut up like a piece of meat. The one good thing about leukemia, nothing to cut out. Maybe though, that was a bad thing... once Axel had his surgery he'd only need a few rounds of chemo. Then he'd be out on his new leg.

Whereas Roxas would still be in the hospital.

Roxas sighed and listened to Axel's soft, fake snoring allowing the noise to lull him into an uneasy sleep. The promise he and Axel had made burned bright in his mind like a star. Roxas latched onto it like a last beacon of hope.

Somehow they'd muddle through.

A/N: Yeah. I couldn't resist making Luxord a P.A. after my own Dad. But seriously they need more lovin' as they often deal with patients more then the actual doctors. True fact. Mrs. Strife calling Luxord a doctor is also a true fact. Practically the bane of my Dad's existence. Anyway next chapter is hour zero for Axel! But that isn't the only problems that'll be affecting our favorite cancer patients. Tune in next week to find out what happens!